Assessing the association between periodontitis and premature birth: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Periodontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Premature delivery is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity.
• Maternal periodontitis is a suspected risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth.
• Existing research on this association is conflicting, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal periodontitis and premature birth.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a screening tool for periodontal disease in antenatal care.
• To inform strategies for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study involving 555 postpartum women across 12 health facilities in Rwanda.
• Cases (preterm birth) and controls (term birth) were enrolled in a 1:2 ratio.
• Multivariate regression analysis was employed, with periodontitis entered as the main predictor variable in the final step.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was found between periodontitis and premature birth.
• Women with periodontitis had approximately six times higher odds of delivering prematurely (OR: 6.360, 95% CI 3.9–10.4).

Conclusions:

• Maternal periodontitis is a strong predictor of premature birth.
• Implementing a periodontitis screening tool for nurses and midwives during antenatal consultations is highly recommended.
• Preventive strategies targeting periodontal health can improve maternal and infant outcomes.